Crain's Detroit Business articles from October 2005

Crain's Detroit Business archives from October 2005

Basement gym offers escape.
October 3, 2005... Byline: Scott Cendrowski Before the kids, husband and business take over her day, Maria Silamianos Sherman escapes to her basement gym. There, at 6:30 a.m., the CEO of Omega Solutions L.L.C. in Mt. Clemens trains on the weight machine,...

Crain's family-business forum set for Thursday.(News)
October 3, 2005... The secrets to running a successful family-owned business are among the topics planned Thursday for Crain's first family-owned business forum. Stephen McClure, principal of Marietta, Ga.-based Family Business Consulting Group Inc., will...

Ch. 11 threat may help Delphi get concessions, but is risky.
October 3, 2005... Byline: Robert Sherefkin Crain News Service If the CEO of Delphi Corp. can't get wage concessions from the UAW, a bankruptcy court judge could help. Although Steve Miller has been unsuccessful in that effort, CEOs of auto parts...

Chefs show off at Schoolcraft College fundraiser.
October 3, 2005... Byline: Brent Snavely About two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending Schoolcraft College's annual Culinary Extravaganza. What an event it was. Forty-six of metro Detroit's best restaurants, wine distributors and wineries were on...

People.(appointments)
October 3, 2005... Architecture Edward Mackowiak to project manager, Neumann Smith & Associates, Southfield, from project manager, Fanning/Howey Associates, Novi. Construction Patrick Wysocki to vice president of preconstruction services, Clayco,...

Letters.(Letter to the Editor)
October 3, 2005... Fix scalping with ticket limits Editor: It's good to see Crain's tackling the ticket scalping issue in its Sept. 12 editorial. ("Free the ticket market.'') However, the root cause of the ticket scalper crime is allowing certain...

History recycled; Architectural salvage gives new life to old details.(Executive Life)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Constance Crump The history of Rick and Linda Fusco's home in Birmingham, a Tudor built in 1926, runs a bit deeper on the inside than on the outside. Inside there's a bronze, glass and steel door salvaged from a demolished...

Business case needed for supplier diversity.(Opinion)(automotive parts industry)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Automakers believe ethnic and racial diversity in their supplier base is an investment in building and keeping a diverse consumer customer base. And last week, Tony Brown, Ford Motor Co.'s purchasing czar, pounded suppliers for not sharing...

Building a portfolio; Ex-lumber king Fred Erb also leaves stamp on real estate, philanthropy.(Focus)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Jennette Smith When Fred Erb made a deal to sell Erb Lumber to Carolina Holdings in 1993, it included an important caveat: He didn't sell the real estate. That meant Erb's Edgemere Enterprises Inc. kept the store locations as...

Competition keeps athletic execs stoked.(Executive Life)(sports participation of executives from different fields is discussed)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Scott Cendrowski Rowing competitions still fill his weekends, 5:30 a.m. practices still get him out of bed and the Detroit River is still cold in October, but the difference for Robert LaCasse nowadays is that he's not in college....

Business Diary.(Briefs)
October 3, 2005... Contracts Ronnisch Construction Group, Southfield, is the general contractor on the Michigan First Credit Union headquarters in Lathrup Village, and for the Taubman Centers Inc. headquarters interior renovation in Bloomfield Hills....

Lighting their way.(Executive Life)(Steve Gronow and Patty Gronow on their company Chestnut Development L.L.C.)
October 3, 2005... Byline: JoAnn Amicangelo When Steve and Patty Gronow began looking for new property in 1987 for their Brighton-based automotive sales, service and parts company, Kensington Motors, little did they know their search would lead them into a...

Week in Review.(Briefs)
October 3, 2005... Detroit's budget gap at $79 million Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick told the Detroit City Council on Sept. 27 that the city has a $79 million budget gap, and he presented proposals to lay off 71 more full-time employees and 332 seasonal workers to...

Corrections.(Correction)(Correction Notice)
October 3, 2005... * On the Largest Business Insurance Companies list in the Sept. 19 issue, the top executives for The Cambridge Group were listed incorrectly. Albert Papa and Kenneth Hale are co-chairmen. Michael Hale is president and CEO. * Infor CEO Jim...

Reporter's Notebook.(Focus)(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Jennette Smith A few years ago, phrases like "green building'' and "LEED-certified'' were esoteric. In the newsroom, we joked that a green building had something to do with growing peas and carrots on rooftops. Of course...

DTE Energy to expand gas pipeline.(News)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Amy Lane DTE Energy Co. is planning to expand an interstate natural-gas pipeline it co-owns that could bring additional supply to Southeast Michigan and elsewhere. Vector Pipeline L.P., a joint venture between Calgary,...

Rugby Grille walks tightrope in redoing menu.(Executive Life)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Brent Snavely Sonia Gill and chef David Gilbert have been at the Rugby Grille in Birmingham for about a year, but say they now feel like their work at the restaurant is just beginning. Last month Gilbert and Gill rolled out a...

Delphi CEO ready to cull holdings.(News)(Steve Miller)
October 3, 2005... Byline: David Barkholz Delphi Corp. CEO Steve Miller says he will begin in earnest this quarter the work of deciding what businesses the parts supplier should keep or divest. Miller says Delphi should know by the end of this month...

Suppliers called on to boost minority deals; Focus shifts to tier-one vendors.(automotive parts industry)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Terry Kosdrosky Some top auto suppliers aren't up to snuff when it comes to purchasing from minority-owned companies, said Tony Brown, chairman of the state's minority business association. What might make that assessment...

Outlook for once-troubled Karmanos Institute brightens.(Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Michelle Martinez After teetering on the edge of losing its federal backing, Detroit's Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute now is working its way toward becoming a top national cancer center. Four years ago, trouble was...

Real Estate Forum names award winners.(Focus)(Real Estate Excellence Awards)(Dale Watchowski, CEO of Redico Management)(Herb Strather, chairman of Strather and Associates)(Maggie DeSantis, president of the Warren/Conner Development Coalition)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Jennette Smith Two major developers, the founder of a top residential brokerage and a nonprofit leader are the winners of this year's Real Estate Excellence Awards. The four will be honored Oct. 19-20 at the University of...

Spec project breaks ground; Realty Trust plans 303,000-square-foot distribution center.(News)(First Industrial Realty Trust Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Jennette Smith First Industrial Realty Trust last week broke ground on one of the largest new airport-area speculative industrial projects in recent years. The company started construction on a 303,000-square-foot distribution...

Speech about community development in Detroit is Oct. 11.(News)(Public Notice)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Joanne Scharich "What Detroit Can Do to Become Economically Competitive - and What That Means for Community Development,'' is the topic of an Oct. 11 address sponsored by the Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corp. Bruce Katz,...

Funds pilot Intermet out of Ch. 11.(News)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Terry Kosdrosky Two hedge funds will control automotive castings supplier Intermet Corp. as the company emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Stanfield Capital Partners L.L.C. and R2 Investments snapped up much of Intermet's...

In the spotlight.(People)(appointment of Michael Schuhknecht in St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Michelle Martinez St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital has named Michael Schuhknecht chief of surgery. A graduate of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Schuhknecht served his residency at St. John...

Bankruptcies.
October 3, 2005... The following businesses filed for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Sept. 23-29. Under Chapter 11, a company files a reorganization plan the court must approve. Chapter 7 involves total liquidation. CEN...

SBC, other providers spar on phone rules.(News)(SBC Communications Inc.)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Amy Lane The next era of Michigan telecommunications regulation is heading down two legislative tracks, with SBC Communications Inc. and its competitors squaring off. SBC says a bill passed by a Senate committee last week and...

What's the difference?(Breaking News, This Week's Issue )(Column)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Bob Allen A question I hear occasionally is "What's the difference between Breaking News and This Week's Issue on your Web site?'' "This Week's Issue'' is... well, what you have in your hand. It's essentially the same online,...

Party planning can make memories.(Executive Life)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Constance Crump Newcombe Clark hosts parties at his home in Ann Arbor almost every weekend. His best advice for entertaining at home is to plan your party like it is an eight-hour vacation. Clark's Victorian loft - the...

The art of the perfect business gift.(Executive Life)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Constance Crump Gift-giving is an art. Faced with choosing a personal gift for a friend who is also a business contact, how, when and what's appropriate are gray areas. The questions are complicated by corporate gift guidelines at...

Federal-Mogul reaches deal with British administrators.(News)(Federal-Mogul Corp.)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Terry Kosdrosky Bankrupt auto supplier Federal-Mogul Corp. reached a pension-funding agreement with administrators of its assets in the United Kingdom that could settle the last major issue keeping the company in Chapter 11. ...

What's in a name? Quite a lot, actually.(Column)(Women's Economic Club changes its name to Inforum)
October 3, 2005... Byline: KEITH CRAIN I've always been a fan of the Women's Economic Club. In fact, over the years, we've alternated our Crain's Newsmaker of the Year between the Detroit Economic Club and the Women's Economic Club. I like the idea,...

Hurricane won't blow down state economy.(News)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Tom Henderson If there are any more energy upheavals this hurricane season, Michigan will be better able to fend off the consequences, according to Dana Johnson, chief economist at Comerica Bank. "Compared to earlier in the...

Visteon CEO: More cuts likely, noncore business must be sold.(News)
October 3, 2005... Byline: David Barkholz, Robert Sherefkin Crain News Service As Visteon Corp. prepared last week to send 23 unprofitable North American plants and operations back to Ford Motor Co. as part of a $2.25 billion bailout, its CEO said the cutting...

Fired maintenance crews picket Detroit buildings.(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Jennette Smith Terminated maintenance crews from the Penobscot and First National picketed last week at the buildings. Julie Barton, labor organizer for Local 547 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, said 16...

Which is best-managed nonprofit?(News)
October 3, 2005... Which is the best-managed nonprofit organization in Southeast Michigan? Applications are due Oct. 26 for the annual "best-managed nonprofit'' contest sponsored by Crain's Detroit Business. This year, the contest will ask applicants to...

Better way for Better Made? Snack-food maker has new execs, adds new chip flavors.(News)(Better Made Snack Foods Inc.)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Brent Snavely Better Made Snack Foods Inc. is in better shape than it was two years ago and, its owners say, is now in position to take a bigger bite out of the Michigan salty snack food market. The Detroit company has put a...

Should UM become a private school?(News)(University of Michigan)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Mary Kramer Thousands of otherwise sane adults reverted to their inner frat-boy personas this past weekend as part of Saturday's annual football showdown between Michigan State and the University of Michigan. Would this...

Think tech; Automation Alley, Ann Arbor Spark study ways to attract, hold tech jobs.(information technology services industry)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Andrew Dietderich, Sheena Harrison Troy-based Automation Alley and newly formed Ann Arbor Spark separately are reorganizing, evaluating operations and working to keep and lure technology companies and jobs to Southeast Michigan. ...

18th Street Deli breaks ground on $2M production center.(News)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Brent Snavely Hamtramck-based 18th Street Deli Inc. broke ground last Thursday on a $2 million, 24,000-square-foot production center that will allow the company to consolidate four buildings and boost its employment from about 90...

Calendar.
October 3, 2005... Tuesday Oct. 4 Loss Prevention: Learning to Follow the Paper Trail. National Association of Women Business Owners. 7:30-9:30 a.m. Speaker: Ruth Holmes, handwriting analyst. Sam's Club, 32625 Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills. $50...

Kilpatrick gets money help; PVS Chemicals CEO offers to raise $1m.(News)(Kwame Kilpatrick)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Robert Ankeny One of Detroit's leading businessmen and a prominent Republican has stepped up to raise $1 million in campaign funds for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick in the waning days of what has become a tough race for re-election. ...

Briefly.(Briefs)(Walsh College appoints Jeffrey Livermore)(Assay Designs Inc. appoints Gustavo Salem president and promotes Russell Hart)(Flint Ink Corp. raises prices)
October 3, 2005... Wayne County contracts out management of golf courses Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano has recommended hiring Torre & Bruglio Golf Course Management Inc. of Pontiac to manage the county's two golf courses in an effort to prevent...

Rumblings.(Gail Duncan in bankruptcy)(Detroit Metro Sports Commission chairman Bill McLaughlin retired)(Fox Sports 65 Red Wings games)
October 3, 2005... Gail Duncan: Trustee motion was personal Gail Duncan, through her attorneys, fired back at creditors trying to remove her from the board of directors of Jerome-Duncan Inc. in a motion filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit on Sept. 23....

This Just In.(Northville Psychiatric Hospital site to REIS Northville L.L.C)(Google Inc. leases site for University of Michigan contract)(GDX Automotive appoints Howard Duxbury, Janice Stipp and Doug Chapple )
October 3, 2005... Google leases building in Ann Arbor for UM plan Google Inc. has signed a lease on an Ann Arbor office building to house a project to digitally scan the University of Michigan library. According to Ann Arbor real estate sources, Google...

Google is good for region.(Opinion)(Editorial)
October 3, 2005... Everybody (except Microsoft, of course) seems to be ga-ga over Google Inc. these days. Google, whose co-founder Larry Page is a University of Michigan alumnus, has signed a lease on the building that will house the massive digital scanning...

Where to find bits of history for your home.(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Byline: Constance Crump * Architectural Salvage Warehouse of Detroit, 4885 15th St., Detroit; (313) 515-0399; www.aswdetroit.org. The inventory covers every category of architectural materials and is especially strong in...

Spotlight on: Commercial real estate.(News)(Brief Article)
October 3, 2005... Industrial real estate For Southeast Michigan, as of June 30: Vacancy rate: 12.7 percent. Average rental rate: $5.46 per square foot. Total industrial buildings: 13,670. Total square footage: 477.1 million. Buildings...

Lists on the Web.(News)
October 3, 2005... All Crain's lists are available on the Web at www.crainsdetroit.com. Click on "Crain's lists" in the gray navigation bar at the top of the page. Should your company be on this list? Contact our research department at...

Detroit mayoral debates set.(News)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Laura Bommarito There are two more chances for voters to hear Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and challenger Freman Hendrix debate the issues in the Nov. 8 election. * Oct. 17, 8 p.m., WDIV-Channel 4: Sponsored by WDIV, Wayne State...

Pleasing visitors no mystery.(Opinion)
October 10, 2005... The world is coming to another big show in February in Detroit - Super Bowl XL. Are we ready? Our "mystery visitor'' story on Page 11 confirms what many of us who bring people to town for business and conferences already know: Detroit has...

Spotlight on: Meetings, conventions and tourism.(News)
October 10, 2005... Lists on the Web All Crain's lists are available on the Web at www.crainsdetroit.com. Click on "Crain's lists" in the gray navigation bar at the top of the page. Should your company be on this list? Contact our research department...

Detroiters: Let's get ready for more visitors.(Focus)
October 10, 2005... What are the coolest, don't-miss attractions in and around our town? Give us your ideas - from high culture to holes in the wall - and we'll pick 40 of them as a must-see list for Super Bowl XL visitors. Go to www.crainsdetroit.com, click on...

Taking the hospitality test; As Super Bowl nears, visitors say Detroiters score on friendliness, but fumble on what to see or do.
October 10, 2005... Byline: Robert Ankeny Thousands of visitors to metro Detroit early next year will be wondering what there is to do and see in town when they aren't busy with the North American International Auto Show in January or with Super Bowl XL in...

Election 2005.(mayors word)
October 10, 2005... Crain's Detroit Business met with each of the Detroit mayoral candidates to solicit their answers on key questions on issues of importance to businesses in Detroit and throughout Southeast Michigan. Their edited responses appear on this page....

Delphi bailout costs weighed vs. bankruptcy.
October 10, 2005... Byline: David Barkholz Crain News Service Within a week, Delphi Corp. could take the North American auto industry into uncharted territory. Delphi, the continent's largest parts supplier, threatens to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy...

Outlook breakfast gazes into economic crystal ball.(News)
October 10, 2005... It is said that the only constant in life is change, but our economic landscape is expected to change rapidly in the years to come. Energy will be more expensive, China will become a more significant player, baby boomers will be retiring, and...

Which is the best-managed nonprofit?(News)
October 10, 2005... Which is the best-managed nonprofit organization in Southeast Michigan? Applications are due Oct. 26 for the annual "best-managed nonprofit'' contest sponsored by Crain's Detroit Business. This year, the contest will ask applicants to...

Switching gears pays off; Porsche Engineering boosts revenue with new focus.
October 10, 2005... Byline: Terry Kosdrosky A change in strategy and shift in the way automakers do business helped an engineering firm that shares the name of a German sports car zoom to success in a difficult industry. Porsche Engineering Services Inc....

Business Diary.(deals, expansions and relocations)
October 10, 2005... ACQUISITIONS Clinton Township-based Saldet Sales & Service Inc., a Parker Group Inc. company, has acquired the Ambitech & Braketron electronic motor brake product lines from TB Woods Inc. Parker Group has been appointed the authorized...

Right message, right time key for hospitality marketing.(Focus)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Roger Slavens Crain News Service Meeting planners and hotel executives have become two of the most lucrative audiences for marketers looking to break into or deepen their involvement with the hospitality and travel industry. ...

Spotlight on: Meetings, conventions and tourism.(News)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... By the numbers 64.1 percent Occupancy rate at metro Detroit hotels, August 2005 61.5 percent Occupancy rate at metro Detroit hotels, August 2004 $79.51 Average room rate, August 2005 $76.33 Average room...

Council promotes banners, tours to publicize Super Bowl.(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Jennette Smith Banners on businesses and downtown tours are some ways the Tourism Economic Development Council seeks to drum up local pride for Super Bowl XL and beyond. Last week the council announced a program for businesses...

New work rules will help Cobo, auto show.(Detroit Auto Dealers Association and trade union contracts)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Q: How many people does it take to screw in a light bulb at Cobo Center? A: Fewer in January than in past years, thanks to flexible work rules adopted in a landmark deal announced last week between five skilled-trades unions and the...

The one time I'd wish someone would lose.(Maryann Mahaffey's candidature for Detroit city council elections)(Column)
October 10, 2005... Byline: KEITH CRAIN I've been a big fan of Maryann Mahaffey for a very long time. While I often don't agree with her position on a lot of issues, I have never met anyone who is more dedicated to her job and her constituents. So, like...

Briefly.(Briefs)(General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. gets Army contracts)(Oakland Community College to be renovated)(Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital to expand its emergency department)
October 10, 2005... General Dynamics gets $31.4M in U.S. Army contracts General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights has received two U.S. Army contracts worth $31.4 million to provide technical support and repairs for tanks and combat vehicles. The...

Minority businesses look for a boost from Super Bowl and beyond.(Focus)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sheena Harrison Local minority- and women-owned businesses are starting to take advantage of a number of business opportunities connected to Super Bowl XL, and area business leaders are hopeful that boost will last beyond game day....

Execs offer coaching for new Tigers manager; Advice: Be honest, be passionate and don't hire buddies.
October 10, 2005... Byline: Andrew Dietderich New Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland is stepping into the kind of turnaround situation many local executives can understand. The Tigers hired Leyland on Tuesday, one day after firing Alan Trammell from the...

Rumblings.
October 10, 2005... Descendants of auto pioneers to gather at dinner Nearly 20 descendants of Detroit's early automotive founders are expected to attend the first Detroit Auto Pioneer Dinner on Thursday at The Henry Ford in Dearborn. The dinner is part of...

Shift to military contracts could help Excel stay afloat.(Excel Pattern Works Inc.)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sheena Harrison Dearborn-based plastics molder Excel Pattern Works Inc. seeks to reinvent itself by shifting focus from the automotive industry to military contracts. The company, which expects sales of $3 million this year, is...

State stocks show generally strong 3Q, despite auto woes.(public traded companies perform well)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Tom Henderson Despite the automotive industry's struggles, the state's publicly traded companies did well overall in the third quarter. "We continue to see healthy corporate earnings and healthy corporate cash flow. I'd give...

Stormy weather; Food, shelter nonprofits hurt as donations go to hurricane victims.
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sherri Begin The ripple effects of this year's Gulf Coast hurricanes already are hitting Southeast Michigan. Nonprofits that provide emergency food, beds, clothing and other items are seeing shortages brought on by donations...

Hendrix: Biz loan was 'straight-up'.(mayoral candidate Freman Hendrix faces upto corruption allegations)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Terry Kosdrosky, Robert Ankeny Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick isn't the only mayoral candidate with a story that just won't go away. For Kilpatrick, it's the phantom party at the Manoogian Mansion. For challenger Freman Hendrix,...

Labor's fate tied to Delphi's; If supplier gets concessions, effect would spread.(United Automobile Workers)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Terry Kosdrosky Any concession Delphi Corp. wrests from the United Auto Workers union will ripple through the U.S. supplier industry, analysts say. The Troy-based supplier asked for deep wage and benefit concessions from its...

This Just In.(Collins & Aikman Corp.)(Wells Fargo & Co. opens office in Southeast Michigan )(Jeffrey Prough resigns from Guardian Alarm Company of Michigan)
October 10, 2005... Collins & Aikman may move to smaller HQ Collins & Aikman Corp. is considering a move from its headquarters on Stephenson Highway in Troy. The company confirmed last week that it was scouting sites to lease about 150,000 square feet....

Officials hope testing center spurs more international investment.(News)(Aisin Holdings of America Inc. opens a facility)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sheena Harrison Aisin Holdings of America Inc. opened its first North American test track and proving ground in Livingston County last week, and local economic-development officials are optimistic that it could pave the way for...

Crossing focus turns to SW Detroit; Mexicantown residents wary of Ambassador Bridge expansion.(News)(Mexicantown Community Development Corp.)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Michelle Martinez Maria Elena Rodriguez thinks a fight is brewing in Southwest Detroit. Rodriguez, president of the Mexicantown Community Development Corp., said last week's decision by a binational transportation group to...

Wine battle may be aging toward compromise.(News)(Jennifer Granholm passes bill on federal funding to libraries, atts and culitural institutes)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Amy Lane Efforts to strike a compromise on Michigan wine-shipping law are picking up pace. But, says negotiations coordinator Sen. Michelle McManus, R-Lake Leelanau, "the grapes aren't ripe yet.'' Weekly meetings are under...

2005-2006 Meetings, conventions and trade shows.(Focus)(Calendar)
October 10, 2005... October American Gear Manufacturers Association Oct. 10-21 Hotel: Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center Attendance: 700 Michigan Department of Community Health Oct. 17-20 Hotel: Crowne Plaza - Detroit Metro...

Bankruptcies.
October 10, 2005... The following businesses filed for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Sept. 30-Oct. 6. Under Chapter 11, a company files a reorganization plan that the court must approve. Chapter 7 involves total liquidation. ...

In the spotlight.(People)(Ann Arbor Spark and the Washtenaw Development Council appoints Michael Finney)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Sherri Begin Ann Arbor Spark and the Washtenaw Development Council have named Michael Finney president and CEO of both organizations. Finney will return to Michigan from Rochester, N.Y., where he has been serving since 2002 as...

Basic training.(hospitality training)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Robert Ankeny Some 8,000 Super Bowl XL Host Committee volunteers, along with waiters, cab drivers and hotel concierges are going to be "immersed'' in a four-hour service training program that includes learning about Detroit. ...

Garden City must pay contractor more than $15M.(News)(Garden City Downtown Development Authority and Wayne Oakland Contracting Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Robert Ankeny Garden City must pay a $12 million judgment plus interest to Wayne Oakland Contracting Inc. and its owner Terry Goers after the Michigan Supreme Court on Sept. 28 let lower court rulings stand. The Canton...

Price for News was $25 million.(News)(MediaNews Group acquires The Detroit News)(Brief Article)
October 10, 2005... Byline: Jennette Smith Denver-based MediaNews Group, which purchased The Detroit News in August, has disclosed that it paid $25 million for the editorial assets of the newspaper and a limited-partnership interest in the Detroit joint...